1955- UNIVAC, Magnetic Drum Memory

Photograph

-

VintageComputer.Gallery

Name/Title

1955- UNIVAC, Magnetic Drum Memory

Tags

Univac

Description

The UNIVAC (short for Universal Automatic Computer) was one of the earliest commercially produced computers. Developed by J. Presper Eckert and John Mauchly, the UNIVAC I was installed at the United States Census Bureau in 1951. It played a crucial role in tabulating census data and other statistical information. Joyce Cade, the computer technician in the photo, was responsible for maintaining and operating this impressive machine.

Acquisition

Acquisition Method

EBay

Date

Jul 8, 2024

General Notes

Note Type

UNIVAC I

Note

The UNIVAC I was an impressive machine for its time. Here are some key details about it: Processing Power: The UNIVAC I used vacuum tubes for computation. It could perform about 1,000 calculations per second, which was groundbreaking back then. Memory: It had a memory capacity of around 1,000 words (each word being 12 characters). Input/Output: Data was input using punched cards, and results were printed on paper tape or punched cards. Applications: Besides census data, the UNIVAC I was used for scientific calculations, weather prediction, and military applications.

Note Type

Masgnetic Drum Memory

Note

Magnetic drum memory was a significant data storage device used in early computers. Invented by Gustav Tauschek in 1932, it served as the primary working memory, similar to modern RAM cards. Some systems also used it for secondary storage12. Imagine a large metal cylinder coated with a ferromagnetic material—the precursor to hard disk drives. Rows of read-write heads ran along its axis, selecting data as the drum rotated. Eventually, magnetic core memory and hard disks replaced drums due to better size, speed, and reliabilit